Posted: February 6th, 2013.
The latest news
New Bargaining Framework Ratified
On Saturday, January 26 the BCTF Representative Assembly unanimously ratified the BCTF/BCPSEA framework agreement that was presented at the VESTA General Meeting on January 22. This agreement was also ratified by BCPSEA at its general meeting on the same weekend. This is a separate process than the “white paper” that Christy Clark issued on Thursday, January 24. The agreement that was ratified on the weekend was supported by your elected Local Representatives (Donna Brack, Shannon Hawke, Jack MacDermot, Jody Polukoshko and Glenn Vockeroth). It is consistent with the bargaining objectives from the last round and the upcoming round and places the following items on the local table for negotiations this round:
- Local Dues Deductions
- Staff Representatives
- Right to Representation
- Staff Orientation
- Copy of Agreement
- Layoff-Recall
- Space and Facilities
- Services to Teachers
- Inner City Schools
- Posting and Filling of Vacant Assignments
- Offer of Appointment to the District
- Parental Complaints
- Transfers
This framework is for this round of bargaining only. It affects timelines (bargaining will begin earlier) and provides for a mediator from the start. Both parties have also agreed to undertake a joint data collection process to ensure that they agree on issues such as the average compensation for teachers across Canada.
There will be a VTF (VESTA and VSTA) General Meeting held on February 19 (before our Staff Rep Assembly) in the Tupper Secondary auditorium, 419 E. 24th Avenue, to consider changing or amending our bargaining objectives given these changes.
Staff Reps will be sent information this week to assist them in conveying this information to members at their worksite.
Thank you for your ongoing support and efforts to support bargaining. It is the commitment of members and the work of locals across the province that have brought this long-sought after change to our bargaining structure. It is a significant change and will allow our Local Bargaining Team to address many items that are a high priority to our membership.
Please stay tuned for more information and attend the meeting on February 19 at Tupper.
Posted: February 6th, 2013.
